ABSTRACT

This chapter examines different US and UN perspectives in dealing with the various challenges of Somalia and their consequences. It briefly explores some of the awkward US-UN arrangements that accompanied the changing US military contribution at various phases of the mission. The UN, however, hoped that the United States would help establish conditions for a more enduring solution for Somalia. The UN also wanted the Unified Task Force (UNITAF) coalition to strengthen stability throughout Somalia. The UN refused to speculate on the turnover date, explaining that it would be determined by the progress of the relief, the situation on the ground, and the secretary-general's ultimate approval. As difficult as US and UN experiences were in Somalia, they should not be used to rule out the idea of peace enforcement as an approach in appropriate circumstances.